Installing Content Packs

Once True-Terrain is installed and, if needed, you have ported your old content over (see Import From Previous), you can find the pack installation button in the Asset Setup section of the True-Terrain Preferences.

Click the Import Pack button, and when the file-browser opens, navigate to the place you've saved your pack files.

Select the content packs (these are .tt_pack files). Selecting multiple pack files at once is best to do and advised so that all content is installed as it should be.

Do not close Blender while True-Terrain is installing content. Content installation has a progress bar which will complete when all is installed. If the bar is at 100% but you do not see the HIDE button, then it is not complete yet.

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True-Terrain 5 is a powerful tool for creating and managing terrains in 3D environments. For users looking to enhance their experience, understanding how to install content packs is essential. This article will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to get started smoothly.

[[toc-ignore]]Getting Started with True-Terrain 5

As you begin your journey with True-Terrain 5, it’s important to understand the basics of the software. The installation of content packs plays a crucial role in expanding the functionality of the application. In previous versions, many users encountered difficulties in this area, which is why this guide aims to clarify the process.

[[toc-ignore]]Installing Content Packs

The first step in enhancing your True-Terrain experience is to install content packs. When you open your preferences, you may notice that there are no textures or starter content installed by default. This is normal if you have only installed the undergrowth pack. To install additional content, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Import Pack button.
2. Navigate to the location where you have downloaded your .tt.pack files.
3. Select the desired packs, such as the starter pack, which includes elements for height maps and materials.
4. Click Import to begin the installation.

As the installation progresses, a loading bar will appear, indicating the status of the process. You will see messages such as "zip one of six being worked on." It’s important to allow the process to complete without interruption.

Once the installation is complete, a message will confirm the successful import of the packs. You may also notice an Asset Browser Installing notification, which should activate automatically. If it does not, further steps may be required.

[[toc-ignore]]Checking Installed Content

After the content packs have been installed, it’s crucial to verify that everything is in order. To check the installed content, navigate to the Packs tab within the preferences. Here, you will find a comprehensive list of all installed packs and their available assets.

• Height maps in the Element Pack
• All objects in the Starter Asset Pack
• Materials grouped by category

This overview provides insight into what has been successfully installed and allows you to explore the various materials and objects available for your projects.

[[toc-ignore]]Setting the Installation Location

Before or after installing content packs, you may want to choose a specific installation location for your assets. This can be done easily by clicking on the designated button within the preferences.

1. A window will open, showing the current installation directory.
2. You can select a new folder if desired.
3. Once a new directory is set, the software will migrate existing content or install new content to the new location.

Setting a preferred installation location helps keep your projects organized and can streamline your workflow.

[[toc-ignore]]Restarting Blender

After installing the content packs, it’s necessary to restart Blender to ensure that all changes take effect. You may notice that some icons appear peculiar until the restart is complete. Following the restart, return to the shader tab to check the materials and categories.

This process will ensure that all installed assets are functioning correctly and are accessible for your projects. Check the categories to confirm that everything is working as expected.

[[toc-ignore]]Conclusion and Next Steps

With the content packs successfully installed and verified, you are now ready to dive into the next stages of working with True-Terrain 5. In upcoming tutorials, you will learn the basics of creating geometry, working with shaders, and exploring the scatter system.

Thank you for following this guide. We hope it has clarified the process of installing content packs for True-Terrain 5. Stay tuned for more in-depth tutorials that will help you unlock the full potential of this powerful tool.

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Install Custom Assets

For each asset type you can import your own assets.

See Adding Your Own Assets for more information.

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[[toc-ignore]]Textures

[[toc-ignore]]Step 1: Adding a New Texture

1. Open Blender Preferences and navigate to Asset Data.
2. Click Create Item and name your texture (e.g., Sandy Pebbles).
3. Set the properties for your texture:
   1. Quality Levels: Add multiple resolutions (e.g., 1K, 4K).
   2. Map Types: Import color, roughness, and normal mapsome text
      1. Normal Maps: Specify whether they are DirectX or OpenGL. Use the built-in option to convert if needed.
   3. Categories and Subcategories: Assign relevant tags (e.g., "Desert" for biomes, "Pebbles" for surface type).

[[toc-ignore]]Step 2: Adding an Icon

1. Choose an option for generating the icon:
   1. Use a folder.
   2. Render the icon directly.
   3. Use the color map as the icon.
2. Blender will automatically generate optimized sizes (e.g., 32x32, 128x128).

[[toc-ignore]]Step 3: Finalizing

1. Make your textures local to ensure they’re stored in the asset path.
2. Test your texture by assigning it to a material in your scene.

[[toc-ignore]]Objects

[[toc-ignore]]Step 1: Adding a New Object

1. Open Blender Preferences and navigate to Asset Data.
2. Create a new item for your object (e.g., Boulders).
3. Set a description (e.g., "Low-poly boulder piles").

[[toc-ignore]]Step 2: Quality Levels and File Management

1. Assign a single Blender file for the object.
2. Check the option Copy into Asset Directory to store the file locally.

[[toc-ignore]]Step 3: Configuring Object Contents

1. Use Explore File to specify which objects should be included.
2. Select all relevant items for scattering.
3. Optionally, adjust the origin point for accurate placement in True Terrain.

[[toc-ignore]]Step 4: Testing and Categorization

1. Test the object in your scene by scattering it.
2. Assign appropriate categories (e.g., Low Poly, Rocks).

[[toc-ignore]]Height Maps

[[toc-ignore]]Step 1: Adding a New Height Map

1. Open Blender Preferences and navigate to Asset Data.
2. Create a new item for your height map (e.g., Mountain Cliffs and Grassland).
3. Provide a description (e.g., "A full landscape containing a mountain, cliffs, and grasslands").

[[toc-ignore]]Step 2: Importing and Icon Creation

1. Import the height map file (preferably in EXR format for full-value precision).
2. Enable the File as Icon option to generate an icon from the height map.

[[toc-ignore]]Step 3: Configuring Settings

1. Assign the height map to categories (e.g., Terrains, Mountains).
2. Set a default height multiplier to control scaling when the height map is imported.

[[toc-ignore]]Step 4: Testing

1. Import the height map into your scene and adjust resolution settings.
2. Use the height multiplier for fine-tuning.

[[toc-ignore]]Height Maps (Batch)

1. Navigate down until you see Asset Data. Click the [>] button on the left of this to open this section up if closed.
2. Click on the Height Maps tab.
3. Navigate to the left of this new menu. Click the [V] button to show special options
4. Click the Load From Directory menu option
5. In the file browser window that pops up find and select the directory containing the height maps and press okay

Heightmaps can be any file format, but we recommend 32bit float EXR, HDR or TIFF files

‍Icons will auto-generate to webp from the heightmap file so you will have a black and white icon.

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Import from True-Terrain 4

After installing the tool, please go back to the preferences and complete these steps:

You must have True-Terrain 4.x installed in the same version of Blender you are using True-Terrain 5 in for Import From Previous to actually import anything

Navigate to and click on the Asset Data section to display its items. Then click on Import From Previous. Allow for the content to be loaded. A progress bar will appear while True-Terrain performs this operation.